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DACs — Soulnote D-3
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Soulnote D-3
Image source — © Soulnote
The D-3 is an accomplished digital-to-analogue converter from Soulnote, built around the flagship ESS ES9038PRO conversion chip with an exceptionally wide bandwidth. The D-3 brings Soulnote's considered Japanese engineering to standalone digital conversion.
Key specs that matter
The ESS ES9038PRO conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion - a well-regarded flagship-tier chip. DSD compatibility reaches DSD512, with PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz. Frequency response spans an exceptionally wide 2Hz to 120,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 110dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.008% at 22kHz. At 454 x 174 x 407mm and 28kg, the D-3's considerable weight reflects serious internal power-supply engineering consistent with Soulnote's considered Japanese standards.
Sound and use context
Expect exceptionally clean, detailed conversion reflecting the exceptionally wide 2Hz-120kHz bandwidth combined with the well-regarded ES9038PRO conversion chip, consistent with Soulnote's broader accomplished engineering philosophy.
Pairing
Soulnote's own E-1 phono stage offers a natural, brand-coherent pairing within the same broader catalogue.
Alternatives
Other manufacturers' comparable ES9038PRO-based DACs offer alternatives for buyers wanting to compare implementations at a similar price point.
Key specs that matter
The ESS ES9038PRO conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion - a well-regarded flagship-tier chip. DSD compatibility reaches DSD512, with PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz. Frequency response spans an exceptionally wide 2Hz to 120,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 110dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.008% at 22kHz. At 454 x 174 x 407mm and 28kg, the D-3's considerable weight reflects serious internal power-supply engineering consistent with Soulnote's considered Japanese standards.
Sound and use context
Expect exceptionally clean, detailed conversion reflecting the exceptionally wide 2Hz-120kHz bandwidth combined with the well-regarded ES9038PRO conversion chip, consistent with Soulnote's broader accomplished engineering philosophy.
Pairing
Soulnote's own E-1 phono stage offers a natural, brand-coherent pairing within the same broader catalogue.
Alternatives
Other manufacturers' comparable ES9038PRO-based DACs offer alternatives for buyers wanting to compare implementations at a similar price point.
Specifications
Model name
D-3
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ES9038PRO
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32 bit / 768 kHz and DSD512
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
2
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
120 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
110
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
0.008
Dimensions (mm)
454 × 174 × 407
Weight (kg)
28
Official link
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